Special Edition: Lights, Camera, Learning: NotebookLM's Video Feature in Action
Step-by-Step guidance, school and library applications, and student -friendly uses of AI - generated video
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Welcome
I’m excited to share this special edition, showcasing an incredible feature that could save you hours of work! NotebookLM now includes Video Overviews that turn your sources into engaging AI-narrated slideshows. This fantastic tool extracts quotes, data, and visuals from your uploads to create a downloadable MP4 file, perfect for sharing with students, staff, and families. I just discovered this feature and was truly impressed, which inspired me to share the wonderful ways you can make the most of it. Enjoy exploring this innovative addition!
I already include a free NotebookLM audio deep dive in my issues, because audio increases access for busy educators. Starting this week, I am adding video as a premium format for paid subscribers. You will still get the full text and the audio for free. The video will be available as a paid post, with occasional free unlocks, allowing everyone to view it in the same way as this one that NotebookLM made of this post.
How I Made This Video
It was incredibly simple. All I did was take the text of this Substack post and paste it into GoogleLM and ask it to create the Video Overview. Here is the finished product created by NotebookLM.
What is Video Overviews & Why It Matters
NotebookLM’s Video Overviews is a feature in the Studio panel that transforms your notebook’s sources (PDFs, Docs, Slides, etc.) into AI-narrated slideshows. It pulls in images, diagrams, quotes, and data from your documents to help make complex info more accessible.
Rolling out to all users in English, with support for 80+ languages expanding.
Studio panel upgrades now let you generate multiple outputs and explore new tiles like Audio Overviews, Mind Maps, and Reports.
Step-by-Step: How to Use NotebookLM Video Overviews
1. Prepare your sources
Open or create a Notebook in NotebookLM. Upload your documents: PDFs, Google Docs or Slides, images, or web links. To ensure visuals like charts or diagrams display well, PDFs and Slides work best. (Google Support)
2. Generate a Video Overview
In the Studio panel, select Video Overview. NotebookLM will begin building a narrated video from your sources. (Google Support)
3. Customize your output
Use the three-dots menu to adjust settings. You can:
Change the output language.
Add a steering prompt (e.g., “Create a 3-minute explainer for high school students”).
Specify audience or focus.
4. Review and play
Open the generated video and use playback features like skip, rewind, or speed adjustments. Always review for accuracy before sharing. (Google Support)
5. Share or download
You can:
Share a link (if your account allows public sharing).
Share the entire notebook.
Download the MP4 to upload to Substack or another platform.
6. Keep limitations in mind
Video Overviews may contain errors or awkward audio. Mobile support is limited. If generation fails, retry later. (Google Support)
Use Cases: Schools, Libraries, and Students
For library media specialists:
Create quick orientation videos from your library handbook, tour slides, or FAQs
Turn your AI policies or citation guides into family-friendly explainers.
Summarize circulation data or new arrivals in a short monthly update.
For classroom teachers:
Flip your classroom: turn readings and notes into pre-class primers.
Simplify dense texts into narrated study videos.
Introduce projects with short task walk-throughs.
For students:
Generate study guides from their own notes and teacher handouts.
Use the language settings for multilingual support. (Google Blog)
Build a practice presentation video as a rehearsal tool.
How I Will Use This In The Newsletter
Free tier: You will continue to receive the whole text issue and a free NotebookLM audio deep dive, which I embed for access and convenience.
Paid tier: I will post a complete video edition that walks through the tool, the lessons, and the ethics notes. I will also do periodic free videos for you to see.
AI Ethics Corner
NotebookLM’s own help notes that Video Overviews can contain inaccuracies, glitches, and omissions. Treat the output as a first draft that needs human review. Post a brief disclaimer when sharing with students. For public links, be mindful of account-level sharing rules. If you cannot share publicly, download the MP4 and upload it to your platform of choice, such as Substack.
Classroom tips
Always verify numbers, quotes, and dates before posting.
Add a concluding slide that lists human-vetted sources.
Add a disclaimer when sharing with students (“Created with NotebookLM Video Overview”).
Be careful with student privacy: don’t upload confidential docs.
Download MP4s when sharing is restricted by your school or district account.
Reading & References
Google Blog: What’s New in NotebookLM (Video Overviews + Studio Upgrades)
The Verge: Google’s NotebookLM can now make narrated slideshows
Upgrade Note for Free Readers
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Closing
Thanks for all you do. If you try out a Video Overview, send me your example—I’d love to feature it in AI Ed News.
My book: AI In The Library: Strategies, Tools, and Ethics for Today’s Schools. On Amazon: https://a.co/d/aRupXMy